Female ancestors, especially those who lived prior to the early 20th century, are often difficult to trace. Family trees may contain a woman’s likely first name, but little else. “Where O Where Can They Be?” is the morning session, where Brinegar presents two case studies: “Did Sally Chism Exist?” illustrates the teasing out of slender threads of information that are suggestive of a Scott County woman’s lost identity, and “Finding Julia P. Robinson” tells the unexpected story of an African-American woman from Lexington.

In the afternoon session, “Casting a Wider Net,” gain a better understanding of the societies in which female ancestors lived by understanding local customs and examining lawsuits, manuscripts, family papers and other items held by repositories. Consider the story of Polly L. Ficklin of Fayette County, who died of cholera in 1849 and left property in trust for many of her slaves, especially the women. Depositions given almost a half-century later laid essential groundwork for bringing forward the documented stories of these women who lacked legal surnames and marriages, left no known written journals and died before vital records were commonplace.

To make a reservation for this free workshop, contact the KHS Reference Desk at 502-564-1792, ext. 4460 or KHSrefdesk@ky.gov. The registration deadline is noon Friday, May 10.

Presented by KHS and KGS on the second Saturday of each month, each family history workshop takes place at the Center for Kentucky History. Topics range from how to begin documenting your ancestry to specialized resources for experienced genealogists. If requested at the time of registration, an optional light lunch is available for $6, payable at the door.

An agency of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Kentucky Historical Society, established in 1836, is committed to helping people understand, cherish and share Kentucky's history by providing connections to the past, perspective on the present and inspiration for the future. The KHS history campus includes the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History, the Old State Capitol and the Kentucky Military History Museum at the State Arsenal. For more information about the Kentucky Historical Society and its programs, visit www.history.ky.gov.